Headquarters Staff

Dan brings more than 20 years of customer service and member support experience to Selected. He helps educate members about Selected’s programs and responds to member inquiries, tackles questions and handles requests for member assistance. Dan also manages Selected’s Preferred Partner Program, facilitating our Partners’ support of members and independent funeral service.

Pam brings more than 20 years of association membership experience to Selected. She supports all aspects of the member relationship through data tracking, dues processing, membership balloting and new member onboarding. Pam maintains the integrity of our database and reporting.

Liz has over 20 years of experience working for a variety of membership-driven organizations across various industries. She creates strategies and outreach activities and drives and manages the Association’s member engagement as it pertains to our meetings, programs and resources. Liz also collaborates with staff and outside resources to ensure we have the infrastructure and technology in place to strengthen our data collection efforts and outbound communication tactics. While developing relationships with our firms, their staff and other audiences, she identifies unmet needs and communicates these to the Board and team for consideration and implementation.

Kristal plays an essential role in supporting our meetings, member programs and operations areas. She also coordinates our continuing education (CE) efforts including securing approvals for Selected’s NextGen Seminar, Annual Meeting and additional meetings from all relevant governing bodies, ensuring all meeting participants receive credit as needed. Kristal is an experienced customer service professional, working in various veterinary organizations and also served as a funeral assistant.

Melanie is responsible for all of Selected's meetings and educational programming, including the Annual Meeting and NextGen Seminar. She facilitates the Selected Leadership Academy program and plans the annual Selected Leadership Conference. She works closely with the Board of Directors, Programming Work Group and NextGen Advisory Group to create meeting experiences that emphasize take-home value and foster increased interaction among members. In addition, she leads the internal and external editorial teams for The Bulletin. She assists with Selected Connections and Continuing Education, as needed. Melanie invites suggestions and feedback from all members to continually evolve and improve Selected's meeting offerings.

Robert is a seasoned association executive with over 30 years’ experience in management and leadership positions within various trade and professional associations. His professional background and extensive hands-on experience with the challenges and opportunities faced by members ensures that he is ready and able to assist you in whatever need you may have. As the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Selected, Robert serves as the chief administrator and is ultimately responsible for all functions of the association. He supervises all staff and Headquarters activities and is responsible for the formulation, implementation and evaluation of all programs and services offered through Selected.

Sarah is an expert in all aspects of law related to the death care profession and small business operations, including staff and human resources problems, as well as issues with client families and suppliers. Serving as General Counsel for Selected for over a decade, she also has significant experience in the law pertaining to nonprofit trade associations.

Annie plays an essential role in supporting members by driving awareness and connecting them with opportunities and offerings. She also provides database support and shares our member news through social media and other channels. Annie is an experienced customer/member service professional with experience in data management, report, process improvement and operational efficiency.

Denise is an inspiring, enthusiastic and compassionate leader who values people and process. She excels at driving and navigating organizational performance and continuously improving systems and efficiency. She is an advisor for Selected’s member programs and serves as our marketing liaison. She also works closely with members to ensure they get the most out of their participation. She has extensive knowledge of strategic planning, human resources, sales and marketing through previous positions held at both nonprofit and for-profit organizations.

Stefanie is responsible for the overall administration and management of the Selected Educational Trust including maintaining, expanding and developing new Programs. She is responsible for cultivating, stewarding and developing new and continued financial support and involvement for programs which include scholarships, research, education, workforce development and the Institute for Exceptional Funeral Service. Stefanie is the key staff liaison between the Trust and the association and for building ongoing and renewed relationships with donors, sponsors and the public.

Ashley supports all functions of the Selected Educational Trust. This includes maintaining donor records and sending donation acknowledgements to all donors. She also facilitates the Second-Career Scholarship program, as well as other memorial scholarships, and supports marketing and special events including the Silent Auction.